The dua for distress (al-karb)
The words the Prophet ﷺ said when distress gripped him, with their source.
The dua for distress (al-karb) is the supplication the Prophet ﷺ said in deep distress: it proclaims three times that there is no god but Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing, Lord of the Throne, of the heavens and of the earth. It comes from Sahih al-Bukhari. Here it is in Arabic, transliterated and translated.
What to say
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ الْعَظِيمُ الْحَلِيمُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ رَبُّ السَّمَوَاتِ وَرَبُّ الْأَرْضِ وَرَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَرِيمِ
Lâ ilâha illâ Llâhu l-'Azhîmu l-Halîm, lâ ilâha illâ Llâhu Rabbu l-'arshi l-'azhîm, lâ ilâha illâ Llâhu Rabbu s-samâwâti wa Rabbu l-ardi wa Rabbu l-'arshi l-karîm
There is no deity except Allah, the Magnificent, the Forbearing. There is no deity except Allah, Lord of the Magnificent Throne. There is no deity except Allah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Noble Throne.
| Source | Sahih al-Bukhari 6346 |
|---|---|
| Grade | sahih (authentic) |
| Graded by | al-Bukhari |
| Repetitions | once |
When to say it
When distress grips the heart: bad news, a fear, a trial that crushes.
It asks for nothing in words: it praises Allah. After it, you can pour out your pain in your own words.
In times of distress (al-karb), the Prophet ﷺ would say this supplication, which proclaims that there is no god but Allah, Lord of the Throne.
Frequently asked questions
How many times should the dua for distress be said?
The hadith gives no number. You say it as much as your heart needs.
What else can I say in distress?
The words of Yunus and the duas against worry and sadness, gathered on the “anxiety and sadness” page.
Does the dua replace getting help?
No. If the distress lasts, talk to a loved one or a doctor; the dua accompanies that help.
Tilawa editorial team · Updated 2026-10-24 · Report an error